RYAN DAY’S SUBTLE VICTORY JAB: OHIO STATE HEAD COACH CELEBRATES NATIONAL TITLE WITH A MESSAGE FOR THE BIG TEN
In a moment of triumph that will be etched into college football history, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day entered the postgame press conference after securing the 2025 National Championship with an air of triumph—and a veiled shot at his Big Ten rivals.
Ohio State’s decisive 38-24 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the championship game at SoFi Stadium solidified Day’s legacy as one of the premier coaches in college football. But it was his opening remark during the postgame presser that set tongues wagging. “We’ve always believed in competing at the highest level,” Day began, his tone measured yet pointed. “And it’s not just about getting to the big games; it’s about winning them. Some people talk about building programs. We just win championships.”
Though Day refrained from naming specific schools, the implication was hard to miss. The remark was interpreted as a dig at Ohio State’s Big Ten rivals, notably Michigan and Penn State, who have often competed fiercely but struggled to achieve similar postseason success on the national stage.
A SEASON OF DOMINANCE
Ohio State’s 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Led by Heisman-winning quarterback Devin McAllister and a defense that ranked first in the nation, the Buckeyes tore through their schedule with surgical precision. The only blemish—a controversial overtime loss to Michigan—was avenged in emphatic fashion during the Big Ten Championship Game, where Ohio State routed the Wolverines 45-17.
Day’s team carried that momentum into the College Football Playoff, dismantling Washington in the semifinal before facing the formidable Georgia Bulldogs in the title game. With McAllister throwing for three touchdowns and the defense forcing two crucial turnovers, the Buckeyes controlled the contest from start to finish.
DAY’S MESSAGE TO THE BIG TEN
The postgame press conference wasn’t just a celebration; it was a statement. Day has long been outspoken about his belief that the Big Ten’s top programs need to elevate their performance on the national stage. His comments served as both a reminder of Ohio State’s supremacy and a challenge to their conference peers.
“Winning this championship isn’t just for Ohio State,” Day added. “It’s for the Big Ten, too. But if we’re going to keep raising the bar, everyone has to step up. Iron sharpens iron.”
The comments come at a time of heightened scrutiny within the Big Ten. Michigan, despite its regular-season success under Jim Harbaugh, has failed to translate that into a national title. Penn State, under James Franklin, continues to produce competitive teams but remains a step below the elite. For Day, the championship was a validation of Ohio State’s status as the gold standard in the conference.
REACTIONS FROM THE RIVALS
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh declined to comment directly on Day’s remarks but offered a curt congratulations to Ohio State. Penn State’s James Franklin took a more diplomatic approach, stating, “What Ryan and Ohio State accomplished is great for the Big Ten. We’re all working toward that level of success.”
Fans and analysts, however, were quick to dissect the subtext. Many interpreted Day’s words as a clear challenge to Michigan, given the animosity between the programs. Social media lit up with reactions, ranging from praise for Day’s confidence to accusations of unnecessary gloating.
LEGACY CEMENTED
For Ryan Day, the national championship is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a testament to his vision for Ohio State football. Since taking over in 2019, Day has maintained the program’s elite status while pushing for new heights. The 2025 title not only breaks a decade-long championship drought but also reasserts the Buckeyes as perennial contenders.
As the confetti settled and the trophy was hoisted, Day’s final words to the media carried a sense of inevitability: “This is what we’ve built for. And we’re just getting started.”
The message was clear. Ohio State isn’t just a powerhouse in the Big Ten; it’s a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. And Ryan Day isn’t afraid to remind everyone of it.
